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3D Biomimetic Platform

This technology can be used for cell culture and drug discovery.

Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia

NASA's Langley Research Center has developed a method and apparatus to be used for cell culture that combines the effects of microgravity and low-dose radiation. The technology has been developed to simulate the effects of microgravity and chronic radiation exposure to cell culture experiments conducted on the International Space Station (ISS).

The microgravity bioreactor closely mimics the ISS environment.

Recent experiments conducted aboard the ISS have led to the rapid development of vaccine candidates for infectious diseases, including MRSA and salmonella. This is due to activation of biological pathways and expression of biomarkers indicative of enhanced virulence that are not normally observed in terrestrial environments. The technology integrates a radiation source with a microgravity-simulating rotating-wall vessel for cell cultures to express enhanced virulence or otherwise unexpressed biological pathways that could potentially assist in drug development efforts. The invention more closely mimics the ISS environment than microgravity bioreactors that are currently commercially available.

NASA is actively seeking licensees to commercialize this technology. Please contact The Technology Gateway at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to initiate licensing discussions. Follow this link for more information: http://technology.nasa.gov/patent/TB2016/LAR-TOPS-199.